Bilbao, Spain
Cost of Living in Bilbao
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Bilbao helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Center) | €700 - €900 per month |
| Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) | €500 - €700 per month |
| Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) | €3,000 - €4,500 per square meter |
| Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of City Center) | €2,000 - €3,000 per square meter |
| Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) | €30 - €45 |
| Taxi (Normal Tariff) | €1 - €2 per km |
| Groceries (Monthly for 1 person) | €150 - €200 |
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | €10 - €15 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | €40 - €60 |
| Utilities (Monthly for 1 person) | €100 - €150 |
| Private Preschool Tuition (Monthly) | €300 - €500 |
| Private Elementary School Tuition (Yearly) | €4,000 - €8,000 |
| Private Middle School Tuition (Yearly) | €6,000 - €10,000 |
| Private High School Tuition (Yearly) | €8,000 - €12,000 |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bilbao
"The cost of living in Bilbao, Spain is considered moderate compared to other major cities in Spain. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while those located outside the city center are relatively cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also moderate and can vary based on usage and the size of the apartment.Groceries in Bilbao are reasonably priced, with local markets and supermarkets offering a variety of fresh and affordable produce. Eating out in Bilbao can range from inexpensive to pricey, depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can be more expensive.Public transportation in Bilbao is efficient and affordable, with options including buses, trams, and the metro. Taxis are also available but are more expensive than public transportation. Owning a car in Bilbao can be costly, with expenses including the cost of the car, fuel, maintenance, and parking.Healthcare in Bilbao is of high quality and is affordable, especially for those who are covered by the Spanish public healthcare system. Private health insurance is also available for those who prefer it.Overall, while the cost of living in Bilbao can be high compared to smaller towns in Spain, it is still lower than in other major European cities. It's also important to note that salaries in Bilbao tend to be higher than the national average, which can offset the cost of living," said one expat living in Bilbao .
Can I live in Bilbao on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Bilbao, Spain for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it will require some budgeting and sacrifices. The cost of living in Bilbao is lower than in many other European cities, but it's still not exactly cheap. Rent will be your biggest expense. If you want to live in the city center or in upscale neighborhoods like Abando or Indautxu, you'll probably pay around $900 to $1,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. However, if you're willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Basurto or San Ignacio, you can find places for around $600 to $700 a month. Groceries are relatively affordable here, especially if you shop at local markets and avoid imported goods. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on food. Public transportation is also quite affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $40. As for utilities like electricity, water, and internet, you're looking at around $100 to $150 a month. So, if you're careful with your spending, you can cover your basic expenses for around $1,000 to $1,200 a month. That leaves you with $300 to $500 for other expenses like eating out, entertainment, and travel. You'll have to be mindful of your spending in these areas. Eating out at restaurants can be quite expensive, especially in touristy areas. But there are plenty of affordable tapas bars and cafes where you can get a meal for under $10. Entertainment like movies and concerts are also more expensive than in the U.S., but there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Bilbao, like visiting the Guggenheim Museum, hiking in the surrounding mountains, or just strolling along the Nervion River. Travel can be a big expense, especially if you plan to explore other parts of Europe. But if you book in advance and travel off-peak, you can find some good deals. In terms of sacrifices, you'll probably have to give up some of the conveniences you're used to. For example, you might have to live in a smaller apartment or give up having a car. But in my experience, the benefits of living in Bilbao, like the rich culture, beautiful scenery, and friendly people, more than make up for these sacrifices," commented an expat living in Bilbao .
Can I live in Bilbao on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Bilbao for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some budgeting and planning. The cost of living in Bilbao is lower than in many other European cities, but it's still not cheap. The biggest expense is housing. If you want to live in the city center, in neighborhoods like Abando or Indautxu, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a decent one-bedroom apartment. These areas are very convenient, with lots of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, but they're also the most expensive. If you're willing to live a bit further out, in neighborhoods like Deusto or Basurto, you can find cheaper options, maybe around $700 to $900 a month. These areas are still very accessible, with good public transportation links to the city center. Food is another significant expense, but it's quite manageable. If you eat out a lot, it can add up quickly, but if you cook at home most of the time, you can keep your food budget under $400 a month. The local markets, like the Mercado de la Ribera, have fresh, high-quality produce, meat, and fish at reasonable prices. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, usually come to around $150 to $200 a month. Public transportation is also quite affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $40. As for entertainment, there's plenty to do in Bilbao that doesn't cost a lot. The city has many beautiful parks, like the Parque de Doña Casilda, where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors for free. There are also many free or low-cost cultural events, like concerts and exhibitions. Of course, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make. You might not be able to eat out as often as you'd like, or you might have to give up some of the luxuries you're used to. But overall, I think it's quite possible to live a comfortable, enjoyable life in Bilbao on $3,000 a month," said one expat living in Bilbao .
Can I live in Bilbao on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Bilbao, Spain for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, even with a taste for modern amenities. The cost of living here is lower than in many other European cities. However, you'll need to be smart about your spending habits. For instance, dining out at high-end restaurants and frequenting upscale bars can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, consider exploring the local markets for fresh produce and cooking at home more often. The Mercado de la Ribera and Mercado de San Martin are two of my favorites. As for housing, the neighborhood you choose to live in can significantly impact your monthly expenses. Areas like Abando and Moyua are quite expensive, with rents for a decent one-bedroom apartment ranging from $1,200 to $1,500 a month. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Basurto and Ametzola offer more affordable options, with rents typically ranging from $700 to $900 for a similar apartment. Transportation is another area where you can save. Bilbao has an excellent public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and trams. A monthly transportation pass costs around $40, which is significantly cheaper than maintaining a car. Healthcare in Spain is also quite affordable, especially if you're employed and contributing to the social security system. However, even private healthcare is reasonably priced compared to the U.S. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy. Bilbao is home to numerous parks, hiking trails, and beaches. The city also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, many of which are free to attend. In conclusion, while you may need to make some adjustments to your lifestyle, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Bilbao is certainly achievable. Just remember to budget wisely and take advantage of the affordable options the city has to offer," commented an expat living in Bilbao .
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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